FIONA OWENS struck in second-half injury time as SHAMROCK ROVERS claimed a shock opening day 2-1 victory over SHELBOURNE.
The Reds were undone despite taking the lead in the first minute through Kate Mooney.
Collie O’Neill’s side had to wait until the 75th minute to equalise when Katie O’Reilly bundled the ball over the line after Amanda McQuillan spilled.
And with seconds remaining at Tolka Park, Owens netted to win it.
Elsewhere, champions ATHLONE TOWN began their defence with a commanding 2-0 triumph over WEXFORD at Lissywollen.
The Westmeath side made light work of the visitors with Kelly Brady sealing the victory before the interval after Della Doherty’s own goal.
GALWAY UNITED began with a bang as they walloped DLR WAVES 5-1 at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Amber Cosgrove gave Waves a surprise lead until braces from Emma Doherty and Aislinn Meaney and a fifth from Amanda Smith sealed an emphatic win.
TREATY UNITED condemned WATERFORD to a 2-0 Munster derby defeat at the Markets Field.
SLIGO ROVERS and BOHEMIANS drew 0-0 at the Showgrounds — while PEAMOUNT UNITED celebrated a 2-0 home victory over CORK CITY.
